Together Newsletter Summer 2018

Y CARTREFI CONW N 2018 IO IT D E R E M M U S

Our Big Day Out is a

roaring success!

We transformed Eirias Park into Jurassic Park with an invasion of a 10 ft dinosa ur

A lso in side ...

Making Work - Work for All p.6 Enter our 10 Good Things competitions p.14 enquiries@cartreficonwy.org • Customer Service: 0300 124 0040 All calls with Customer Services are recorded • Audio and print copies of this newsletter are available

Our is a roaring success!

We transformed Eirias Park into Jurassic Park with an invasion of 1 10 ft dinosaur.

Although they looked fearsome, there was nothing to worry about when the Tyrannosaurus Rex and the Velociraptor bared their teeth and roared. Plus the baby Brontosaurus and tiny Triceratops were so cute and made us all go ‘aww’.

The day was full of entertainment from start to finish. This year’s Voice Star, Tesni Jones, returned home to Colwyn Bay as our headline act. Plus we had popular Britain’s Got Talent singing duo, Richard and Adam, perform alongside Heart FM presenters Oli Kemp and Lois Cernyw.

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There was so much to do from samba drumming to learning circus skills, and street dancing to lantern-making. The Big Day Out was the perfect way to continue our 10 year anniversary celebrations with you. We thank everyone who came along and made this day so special.

We also send a huge thanks to all our sponsors including Novus Property Solutions, City Plumbing Supplies and our main sponsor, Brenig Construction.

It really has been a fantastic celebration but at the same time gives us the opportunity to talk to you about important things that matter to you. www.cartreficonwy.org

SLETTER W E N T N A N E T R YOU

IS GOING DIGITAL FROM AUTUMN 2018

But we will also have printed copies in our offices and community rooms.

If you prefer to still have a printed copy sent to you, then let us know.

Making it plain Cartrefi Conwy has signed up to the Plain English Campaign. We’re working hard to make sure that everything we write is clear and easy to understand.

What is Plain English?

Plain English is writing in a clear style that readers can understand the first time they read it. It means cutting out jargon or long words that aren’t needed and avoiding complicated sentences.

Plain English also considers the way communications are designed, to make them easier for people with visual impairments to read.

What is Cartrefi Conwy doing?

We have started to rewrite the letters we send you, to make them quicker and easier to read.

0300 124 0040

We’re also looking at our website, leaflets and policies to find where we can improve them.

What does it mean for you?

We hope you like our new style. If you find something that’s not clear or easy to understand, please let us know. If you’re talking with a staff member who is using difficult words or jargon, ask them to explain in Plain English. We appreciate your help in making our communication clearer!

We want everyone to have access to everything we do. If you spot something where we can make this better or if you want to check if something is accessible for you, please get in touch.

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Universal Credit doesn’t have to be

SCARY

Universal Credit doesn’t have to be scary. Our Money Support team are on hand to help you through Universal Credit. The team can help you with:

Katy Roberts is our Universal Credit Advisor, and you can catch up with her at the Llandudno Job Centre on Tuesday 1:30 – 4:30pm and the same time on Friday afternoons at Colwyn Bay Job Centre.

• Your Universal Credit claim • Budgeting tips Don’t worry if you aren’t able to get to any of • Debt support and information on other help these sessions you can get in touch with Katy • Setting up a bank account by phone on 0300 124 0040.

• And much, much more.

Our 10th year anniversary celebrations continue at our older persons day Come and join us at our ‘Celebrating Age’ event for over 60’s.

Back by popular request, The Gatsby Girls performing their ‘Hoorah to Hollywood’ act. So get out your glad rags.

Plus, get ready to nominate someone you feel deserves to get an award for what they do for others where you live.

Friday 12 October, Look out for your invitation and let us know if you are coming Venue Cymru straight away, as places are limited!

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www.cartreficonwy.org

Congratulations to our latest

Home Reward winners!

I’m Connected £200 prize draw every month Open to all our tenants who are connected with Cartrefi Conwy online, using the MyCartrefi web portal to pay rent, report repairs or manage accounts.

Mrs Byrne, I’m Connected winner

I’m Involved £100 prize draw every three months Open to all our tenants who get involved in their community or get involved in improving Cartrefi Conwy’s services.

I’m Proud £100 prize draw every month Open to all our tenants who have received a Home Partner visit in the last month and take care of their homes, keeping them clean and tidy.

Mrs Rutter and Miss Francis, I’m Proud winners 0300 124 0040

I Pay £200 prize draw every month Open to all our tenants who are up-todate with their rent and pay on time.

Making Work - Work for All We are ecstatic to have secured a massive £500,000 from the Big Lottery Fund.

The money will pay for a new project Making Work – Work for All. The project will help hard-working families in our communities overcome the issues of poverty while in work.

Employment academy success!

In the last year, our employment academy achieved a 100 per cent success rate for 21 tenants.

We found jobs in the local community, including roles as a café assistant, carer, bar staff, cleaner, kitchen assistants, shop assistants, hotel work and labourers.

Friday from 9am until 12 noon. It’s really relaxed, so why not give it a go and have a chat with us over a brew?

Call in and get support and guidance, CV and job search tips, advice on interview techniques and browse the range of local jobs on offer.

Volunteer

If you are looking for a new challenge or would like to Paid employment meet new people, we offer volunteer opportunities. You’ll Our social enterprise has gain new skills, confidence been running for more than and workplace experience. three years. In March this You decide how many hours year we moved to a brand you volunteer and choose a new building on the Cartrefi The project will run for four role that suits you. Last year years, and we will be working Conwy Business Park, Station our volunteers gave more Road, Mochdre. together with Community than 2,000 hours of their and Volunteer Services If you are looking for work, our time.

Conwy (CVSC).

Employment Academy offers In June an annual ‘Thanks a We’ll be working with families up to 18 months of full time Brunch’ appreciation event paid employment, training, that are struggling, to help was held to mark national them overcome the problems qualifications and one-to-one volunteers’ week. Cartrefi mentoring. that are plunging them into Conwy tenant volunteer, Matt poverty. We aim to make a The academy opens daily Frongos-Swindley, and work real difference by helping Monday–Friday, and all buddy, Barry Williams, took them get out of poverty and services are free of charge. part in a Q&A session. improve their quality of life.

We run a Jobs Café every 6

www.cartreficonwy.org

Matt had a volunteering observation role partnered with Barry, a Gas and Heating Engineer at Cartrefi Conwy.

Matt went on to start a college course in the plumbing trade and recently secured a Cartrefi Conwy apprenticeship.

Congratulations Matt and good luck with the apprenticeship.

For further inaformation: Call the Employment Academy on 01492 588 980.

Visit Creating Enterprise at creatingenterprise.org.uk

Jobs Bus gets people back on the road to employment!

Creating Enterprise has launched a brand new Jobs Bus. Hop on board and apply for a job. Get advice and guidance. Plus browse a range of local jobs.

Check out our timetable Llandudno Various locations 1.30 – 4 pm • 5 September • 24 October

Coming soon … we are delighted to announce that other local agencies will be joining us on board the Jobs Bus.

Llanfairfechan Co-op car park 1.30 – 4 pm • 12 September • 19 December

Abergele Maes Canol 1.30 – 4 pm • 3 October • 14 November • 5 December

Keep up to date with us on social media: Facebook facebook.com/ creatingenterprise and Twitter @CreatingE

Llanrwst Co-op car park 1.30 – 4 pm • 26 September • 17 October • 21 November

Kinmel Bay Asda car park 1.30 pm – 4 pm • 10 October • 7 November • 12 December

Penmaenmawr Library, Bangor Road 1.30 – 4 pm • 19 September • 31 October • 28 November

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My Home Contents Insurance scheme Don’t forget it’s your responsibility to insure your furniture, belongings and decorations against theft, fire, vandalism and burst pipes.

The ‘My Home Contents’ Insurance scheme is available to all our tenants and leaseholders.

Why should I choose My Home Contents cover over other insurers?

Benefits include: • No excess to pay if you make a claim • No minimum security requirement • No administration or cancellation fees What does home contents insurance cover?

• fire damage* • theft* • storm and flood damage* • damage caused by water or oil leaks* *Limits and exclusions apply; full policy wording is available.

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Win £30 of hers high street vouc

u this summer, yo r ve co t ou ke ta If you to a lly be entered in will automatica reet in £30 of high st prize draw to w ers. shopping vouch 18.

0 September 20 3 is te a d g in os The cl ctober 2018 .

Draw date is 1 O yholders will All existing polic w. cluded in the dra in e b lly ca ti a autom

Other things covered as standard are: • Lost or stolen keys • The contents of your freezer if it breaks down • The damage caused by a leaking washing machine or a burst pipe • The contents of sheds and garages • Student’s possessions living away from home • Optional extensions are available Request an application pack today. It includes: • application form • full instructions on how to apply • a handy checklist to work out how much cover you need Get in touch on 0300 124 0040 or contact My Home on 0345 450 7288 or visit www.thistlemyhome.co.uk

The National Housing Federation, My Home Contents Insurance Scheme, is a product name arranged and administered on behalf of the National Housing Federation by Thistle Tenant Risks a trading style of Thistle Insurance Services Limited.

Thistle Insurance Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Lloyd’s Broker. Registered in England under No. 00338645 Registered office: 68 Lombard Street London EC3V 9LJ. The National Housing Federation is an Appointed Representative of Thistle Insurance Services Limited. www.cartreficonwy.org

My Home Contents Insurance

A special service for tenants and residents

Application Pack

T E N A N T

V6

0300 124 0040

R I S K S

www.thistlemyhome-cymru.co.uk

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Do you know about the new Tai Teg affordable homes register?

This register could secure your dream home!

There are a number of schemes for people earning between £16,000 and £45,000 to apply for.

ElmColwwynoBaoy d, COMING SOON

What is an affordable home?

An affordable home means it is available to rent or buy at less than the market value – typically around 20% less.

(01745) 335690

www.haws.org.uk

If you are looking to rent or buy an affordable home you can register online: www.taiteg.org.uk

• • • • •

QUALITY, AFFORDABLE, 1 AND 2 BEDROOM APARTMENTS TO RENT

Newly renovated New bathroom / kitchen Energy efficient Lift access Carpets included

Cartrefi Conwy is a partner of the Tai Teg register. We have new affordab le homes available now in Bangor. We are also building new 1 and 2 bedroom homes in Colwyn Bay which will be ready to move into in October.

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www.cartreficonwy.org

The stats are in Thank you to over 600 households for returning your Tenant Satisfaction Survey. Here’s a snapshot of what you told us:

91.05%

overall satisfaction with the service provided by Cartrefi Conwy Thanks for letting us know what you think we are doing well and what we can do better. It really helps us understand what we need to do to improve things for you!

90.05%

85.96%

85.41%

94%

88.59%

87%

satisfaction with the overall quality of your home

satisfaction with the way Cartrefi Conwy deals with repairs and maintenance

satisfaction with the neighbourhood as a place to live

satisfaction that the rent provides value for money

found the staff approachable and friendly

were satisfied they were able to contact us quickly and easily

Protecting personal information We ask our tenants to give us personal information (sometimes referred to as personal data) about yourself and people who live with you. We are committed to keeping this personal information safe and secure.

We’ve included a leaflet with this newsletter explaining what we use personal information for and how we take care of it. This leaflet is only a guide and does not give full details of all your data protection rights. A full guide of what we do with personal information can be found in the Privacy Policy on our website: cartreficonwy.org/privacy-policy

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Big-hearted fundraisers inspired by Shakin’ Stevens’ campaign Taking inspiration from the charity Welsh Hearts’ “Shaky hearts” campaign, members of Park Way Coffee and Social Club raised over £1,400 to buy a defibrillator machine for their Community Centre in Rhos-on-Sea. This public access defibrillator is a life-saving piece of equipment. It’s now fixed to the wall by the entrance to the centre. Members of the community are now being trained to use it, should anyone suffer a cardiac arrest.

A special event held in June to celebrate the group’s success was attended by Nick Aitken, from the Welsh Hearts charity, who paid tribute to 88-year-old Joyce Stubbs from the Coffee Club who organised the fundraising.

We’re personally thrilled to see this life-saving machine installed, as it will be of benefit to the whole community. We think the group are amazing and an example to all of us.

Blooming marvellous Love your garden Remember to keep on top of your garden waste. Every 2 weeks recycle your: • Grass cuttings • Leaves • Small plants and twigs • Non-invasive weeds

June was a busy month at Park Way, as the garden committee were also presented with a special display case for the huge haul of gardening trophies they’ve won since 1998. This includes winning Colwyn in Bloom for 14 years in a row, Wales in Bloom and ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ Awards.

The gardening committee held a celebration in the community centre.

A huge thanks, too, to the Men’s Shed project in Colwyn Bay who made the display box.

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You can leave up to 6 bags out on your fortnightly collection day. Larger quantities of garden waste can be taken to a Household Recycling Centre for disposal.

Avoid leaving rubbish in your garden that might attract vermin that bring horrible diseases with them when they visit!

www.cartreficonwy.org

Labour of love

An area of forgotten wasteland has been turned into a magnificent memorial garden thanks to a real labour of love from volunteer members of the Green Fingers gardening group in Chester Avenue, Kinmel Bay.

Parc Peulwys bags prestigious Green Flag Award for 4th year

The garden was the brainchild of Stan Barrows, chairman of the estate’s local residents’ association.

A plaque unveiled during the opening ceremony bears the inscription: “In loving memory of residents past. Gone but not forgotten.”

The garden makeover cost almost £4,000 and the group gave thanks to the support from Towyn and Kinmel Bay Community Council and Jewson’s as the bulk of money came from their Community Chest Fund.

Snowdonia Nurseries also provided rose bushes and trees at a special discounted price.

A big thank you to our very own Matt Stowe for helping the group with the garden designs.

A place is only as good as the people make it!

Congratulations to the Parc Peuwlys community as they have won Keep Wales Tidy Green Flag Award winners for the fourth year running.

This sought-after award only goes to areas of green spaces kept to the highest standards.

Do you have an idea to make where you live better?

Remember Cartrefi Conwy’s Community Chest Fund could help! Grants of up to £1,000 are available to any voluntary, community or recreational groups. Visit our website to get the application form, or call 0300 124 0040 or email enquiries@cartreficonwy.org.

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Good Things for you!

Remember, to celebrate Cartrefi Conwy’s 10th birthday, we’re giving away 10 Good Things to tenants. Every month there will be a new competition just for Cartrefi Conwy tenants.

Follow our Facebook page (facebook.com/ officialcartreficonwy) for more details of each month’s competition and don’t forget to enter. You’ve got to be in it to win it!

Enter our latest competition now to win broadband for a year.

How to enter: send us a private message on Facebook, email us at communications@ cartreficonwy.org or send us a letter to Cartrefi Conwy, North Wales Business Park, Morfa Gele, Cae Eithin, Abergele, LL22 8LJ. Please give us your phone number and address.

You must be a Cartrefi Conwy tenant to enter the prize draw.

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Look out for more chances to win in the coming months including an Arriva travel pass for a year and £200 of shopping vouchers in December and more.

Congratulations to our recent winners: • Michael Royle winner of Father’s Day Zip World prize • Chelsea Sheward winner of a year’s National Trust membership • Wendy Jane Davies and Kay Louise Redhead who both won a pair of tickets to the Tesni concert in Theatr Colwyn Thanks for letting us know you had a fab time and sharing your photos.

We’ve made it even easier for you to pay your rent Our new automated telephone payment service means you can make a payment over the phone 24/7. Just call 0300 1240060 and have your tenancy reference number and debit/credit card ready.

And don’t forget you can also pay online at www.mycartrefi.org Or, if you like the peace of mind of making regular payments directly from your bank, you can set up a Direct Debit or Standing Order with us by calling 0300 124 0040.

Coming soon The new MyCartrefi app is on its way. This will make it even easier for you to: • Report a repair • Make a payment • Get in touch

Watch this space!

Drug gangs are exploiting vulnerable people in your area They use violence and abuse to get others to do their criminal work. Sometimes they take over the homes of their victims. This is called cuckooing, and it’s happening on our doorsteps.

Call CrimeStoppers on 0800 555111. Calls are 100% anonymous – always!

If you are a victim of cuckooing and feel you cannot approach North Wales Police, please approach us, your local MP or Crimestoppers.

This leaves the whole community vulnerable.

If you do not report this matter and allow drug supply to take place at your home address, you are putting your tenancy at risk.

But if we speak out, and tell CrimeStoppers what we know, then together we can stop them and get rid of these criminals.

We ask anyone with information about cuckooing to contact the police on 101, or call CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.

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New 4-weekly wheelie bin service to go county-wide from September 2018 After a successful year-long trial of 10,000 households, Conwy’s 4-weekly wheelie bin rubbish collection is being rolled out across the entire county from 24th September 2018.

Everyone benefits when we recycle more – the areas we live in, the environment, our oceans, wildlife and marine life.

You can get free extra recycling containers and This service puts recycling extra reusable garden waste right at its heart with weekly bags for £1.50. There’s recycling collections. also a weekly nappy and incontinence products Results from the trial showed: collection service if you • recycling increased by 14% need it. If you have difficulty • rubbish in wheelie bins moving your bin or recycling reduced by 31%. containers, the assistance service is still available. If your Look out for your new recycling and wheelie bin collection timetable in the post.

Make sure there is enough room in your bin over the 4-week collection cycle by remembering: • every week to recycle your food waste, paper, card, cans, glass, plastics, Tetra Pak and even batteries.

• every fortnight to recycle your green waste, textiles and small electricals

I mewn i’r bin - mor hawdd a hyn!

Angen help?

Ffonia 01492 575337

home has over 6 people, and you can show you are recycling all you can, you can request an extra bin.

All the information you need to know about the new service will be delivered to your home in September.

For more information go to www.conwy.gov.uk/recycling You can also download Conwy’s free recycling app to get weekly reminders, receive alerts, and ask for replacement recycling containers and much more! http://www.conwy. gov.uk/en/Resident/ Recycling-and-Waste/ The-Conwy-App.aspx

Bin it - takes a minute!

Need help?

Call 01492 575337

Paid a’i daflu - cofia ailgylchu!

Angen help?

Ffonia 01492 575337 Don’t just sling - use recycling!

Need help?

Call 01492 575337

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www.cartreficonwy.org